Raised Bed Gardening

Transcription

1 Raised Bed Gardening Prepared by: Mark Acosta, Ilene Quitagua, Ian Iriarte, David Camacho, Duane Dominguez, Frank Cruz and L. Robert Barber For: UOG Cooperative Extension Service Funding, assembly, and printing of these workshop materials was made possible by University of Guam (UOG)/ Cooperative Extension Service (CES)/ New Farmer Program, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/ Western Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (WSARE), and Children s Healthy Living (CHL) Program. 1

2 What is Raised Bed Gardening? It is gardening in soil beds built up or mounded above the existing ground level. Raising soil level provides a deeper root zone Easier to modify the soil structure in the more limited area of the raised bed. Can add mulch, compost, manure, or sand. Improved soil structure allows raised beds to be managed more intensively.

3 Improvements to Raised Beds Incorporate organic matter, use mulch, compost, or manure. This improves soil structure, water holding capacity, and adds soil nutrients Improve drainage by adding sand or other large (relative to clay) particle material. Open up compact (clay), poorly drained soils to air and water flow. Properly constructed raised beds create an area of rich soil where none currently exists.

4 Advantages of Raised Beds Longer Growing Season: By improving soil drainage the raised bed dries out faster in wet season. Allows growing crops during rainy season that might not other wise be possible Higher Yields; Because of improved soil fertility, depth and structure. More plants can be grown in a smaller area. Better root growth with improved structure, depth, plant growth, air, and water Maintenance: Planting closer together reduces weed growth by shading out weeds

5 Disadvantages of Raised Beds Increased plant density requires more water per unit area. Can be expensive, if materials have to be purchased. Increased plant density, may increase pest/disease concerns.

6 Designing Your Raised Bed Where do you want to put your bed? Good sunlight? Is water near? If constructing more than one bed, plan for paths between the beds. Mark the dimensions of the bed. Do you want temporary or fixed beds?

7 Temporary Raised Beds/Mounds BEFORE AFTER

8 Temporary Raised Beds/Mounds No frames, so less labor & materials required. Beds will flatten over time as the soil settles, and erodes because there is no wall support. Dig and turn the soil in a 4-6 wide area The deeper the better Mix soil amendments to the full depth Pull soil in from each side of the bed, mounding it up in the center, creating a 3-4 bed. You now have a raised bed with improved soil quality, compared to the surrounding soil.

9 Fixed Raised Beds Have walls that can be built using: Mortared bricks or stones Cement blocks or Rot resistant wood Do not use wood containing creosote or compounds containing pentachlorophenol Organic farmers cannot use treated wood Recycled Tires If walls are more than 6-8 they need to be secured (fastened or mortared).

10 Materials Needed For Fixed Beds Cinder Blocks, Timber, Recycled Tires or Rock for Walls Measuring Tape and Shovels Cardboard, News Paper, or Paper Bags Sand (WMS Manufacturing Sand) - Optional Mulch or Compost, Fertilizer or Manure (Chicken or Steer)

11 Concerns in Building Fixed Raised Beds Beds should be wide enough so you can reach the center from the sides. Arms are only so long, so bed width for adults 4 max, children 3 max. Beds should be at least 6 high Plants grow best in 6-12 of soil Dig/loosen the soil below the frame, Lay down an organic weed barrier or kill weeds before construction Cardboard, newspaper or paper bags Add new soil, organic matter or other amendments (leave room at the top for mulch).

12 Soil Mix To loosen clay soils or open air space: Mix up to 1/3 existing soil, 1/3 compost, mulch or peat & 1/3 coarse sand In sandy soils, adding organic matter and clay soils will increase water holding capacity in a similar manner. Mix up to 1/3 sandy soil, 1/3 compost, mulch or peat & 1/3 clay or silt. Also mix in manure, fertilizer or other materials to increase nutrients.

13 Steps to Making Raised Beds Gather Materials Cardboards Blocks Mulch Sand Fertilizer

14 Steps to Making Raised Beds Measure desired bed size 3 x 8 (Children s Bed) 4 x 8 (Adult s Bed) Level wall base Lay cardboard or sheets of paper on top of grass as a weed barrier If weed barrier is thick- need to punch holes Place cement blocks over cardboard

15 Steps to Making Raised Beds Fill bed with soil mix Mulch Compost Coarse Sand Existing Soil Manure (Other Organic Matter Sources) Potting Soil

16 Steps to Making Raised Beds Water bed thoroughly before planting Drip Irrigation Sprinkler Hand Watering

17 Vegetable Spacing in Beds *Leafy greens (Cabbage, Lettuce, & Pechay) can be planted in a continuous strip and harvested to thin them out.

18 Vegetable Spacing in Beds *Leafy greens (Cabbage, Lettuce, & Pechay) can be planted in a continuous strip and harvested to thin them out.

19 Interplanting Spacing Equation To determine the spacing for interplanting between different plant species, add the recommended spacing for the two crops to be planted together, and divide their sum by 2. For example: Radishes = 2 ; Beans= = 6, then 6 divided by 2 = 3 Radishes should be planted 3 from the beans Plant your crop, water, lay down a weed suppressing mulch and watch them grow.

20 Conclusion Raised bed possibilities are endless Design of raised beds depends on the gardeners resources/goals If you invest time needed for construction you can obtain: Better drainage and improved soil structure Increased moisture retention and soil fertility Improved plant growth.

21 References Building a Raised Bed Vegetable Garden: The Easy Way, etable%20garden%20the%20easy%20way.pdf Intensive Gardening Methods, Raised Bed Gardening, pdf Any Questions or Comments: Please call the Agricultural and Natural Resources Program UOG/CES: /2952